Shakopee Police Department 2020 Annual Report

2020 ANNUAL REPORT | POLICE DEPARTMENT | SHAKOPEE, MN

Records Unit

By Claudia Cassman, Records Supervisor

The records unit is part of the support services division providing assistance to administration, patrol and investigations, as well as serving the public. Records staff includes the records supervisor, one records specialist, three records technicians and a receptionist. The unit is also assisted by a community service officer, a code compliance specialist, an administrative assistant and an evidence technician.

The records unit plays an important role in the police department with many of its tasks happening behind the scenes. We ensure accurate processing, dissemination and maintenance of police records and entering of information into

GUN PERMITS 2017 2018 2019 2020 303 254 251 759

a nationwide database. We forward case submissions to the Scott County Attorney’s Office for consideration of criminal charges, disseminate cases to the Scott County Human Services Department and compile monthly and annual department statistics. In 2020, the records unit handled more than 750 permit to purchase applications, which is a significant increase to previous years. Furthermore, records staff adapted to new guidelines implemented due to COVID by continuing to be dedicated to providing the highest quality of service in person, via phone and email.

Records Unit staff, from left, front: Molly Crosby, Cristie Lesko and Amberly Cortez; back: Tammy Amundson, Jean Link and Joell Evers.

Code Enforcement

By Joe Alessi, Code Compliance Specialist

The Shakopee Police Department places a high level of priority on code enforcement. The idea behind code enforcement is to gain compliance from property owners in both residential and commercial areas within the community. Our goal is to work with complainants and property owners toward voluntary compliance rather than referring the cases to court. In 2020, the code compliance specialist was able to balance the need to enforce city ordinances and observing the fact that many residents were unable to leave their house due to the pandemic. Some of the accomplishments in 2020 include: • Handled service requests derived from city website portal • Removed more than 500 temporary signs from around the city • Addressed email complaints sent into general email at Shakopee Police Department • Increased proactive ordinance related activity • Reviewed dangerous dogs for compliance with city code • Addressed property damage calls associated with graffiti on city property In June 2020, the city hired a new community service officer to assist the patrol unit, along with parking and other ordinance violations. Some of the roles associated with the community service officer include: • Addressing parking related calls for service • Helping with traffic control STATISTICS 2019 2020 Ordinance Calls 776 656 Parking Issues (without variance) 1,146 914 Animal Complaints 375 324 TOTAL 2,297 1,894

• Responding to calls for service that do not require a sworn officer • Assisting patrol with retrieving evidence or other related matters

14 |

Records Unit/Code Enforcement